Orthopedic Surgery

We perform many types of orthopedic (bone) surgeries in our clinic. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to board-certified orthopedic surgeons to perform back surgery and other very complex surgeries.

Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures; however, many fractures will require surgical intervention:

“Pinning” stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.

“Plating” involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.

“External fixation” stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.

We also perform a lot of orthopedic surgeries related to hip dysplasia and disc disease. Please contact us if you have any questions about these procedures or if you think your pet might benefit from them.

Hours of Operation

Emergencies

Dr. Harkey is on call until 10 pm. Please Call the office and the answering service will get you in touch with Dr. Harkey or we will contact another veterinarian. If we are unavailable to take your emergency please call VCA Animal Hospital at 361-573-3200. They are located in Victoria, Tx on Sam Houston St. beside the post office.